Editorial‘Hotspots’ reflect ever-changing need for HK to meet tourist tastes
Nine new projects focus on attractions of cultural, historical and ecological value as city strives to ensure the return of visitors continues
Slowly but surely, Hong Kong is re-establishing itself on the global tourism map. Having rolled out the carpet for 16 million visitors in the first four months of the year, a modest 10 per cent rise from the same period last year, authorities are doubling down with another ambitious drive to lure more travellers from near and far, and rightly so.
Some of the nine new “tourist hotspot” projects unveiled by a high-level government working group yesterday may seem at first glance little more than repackaging existing sightseeing and culinary options.
These include consolidating the attractions in the historic heart of Central and Kowloon City, promoting ecotourism in Sai Kung, The Peak and country parks, as well as planting new flowering trees in a public park at Tamar to help beautify Victoria Harbour.
But there are also new and enhanced offerings, such as organising group tours to the homes of a local bakery and food seasoning firm, refurbishing the former Yau Ma Tei police station as part of a push to draw visitors to the museums of the disciplined services, and opening up a defunct freight yard pier in Hung Hom for a more exciting use.
Even though some initiatives may not be as appealing as they seem, the new strategy reflects changing tourist preferences from top-tier attractions to some hidden gems of cultural, historical and ecological value.
It also means new synergy can be created by simply reinventing some existing and underappreciated offerings.